Zayat Stables' Nehro, the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) runner-up who finished fourth in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I), is scheduled to undergo surgery June 15 to repair a small chip in his right front ankle.
Owner Ahmed Zayat said the injury was detected following the June 11 Belmont, won by longshot Ruler On Ice. Zayat said the injury likely occurred during the 1 1/2-mile classic at Belmont Park because veterinarians said it was a fresh injury.
“He is a very brave and game horse to run fourth with the injury,” said Zayat, who noted it looks like a small chip. “You never know until (surgeons) go in and look.”
Dr. Larry Bramlage will perform the surgery at the Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital near Lexington.
Depending upon the severity of the injury, Nehro could resume training within five to seven weeks, said Zayat, who hopes the colt can return in time to compete in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) at Churchill Downs. “We will let the horse tell us when he’s ready,” he said.
Zayat said he also plans to keep Nehro in training at age 4 in 2012.
“I am looking forward to getting him back to health and show what he’s made of,” Zayat said. “I happen to think this is a very, very serious horse. He was late maturing and is doing everything right. He is very versatile..
A son of Mineshaft trained by Steve Asmussen, Nehro has a win and three seconds in seven starts and earnings of $885,140. In addition to the Kentucky Derby, the colt finished second in both the Arkansas Derby (gr. I) and the Louisiana Derby (gr. II).